I don’t normally post work of any kind on my blog but this is for a good cause –

I was asked by a friend who’s taking part in an impressive charity challenge to write a release for local papers.

All the details of the challenge are below so I won’t bore you with the details, but here’s the release and part of my contribution to the cause.

Press Release
January 2012

Regional Ember Inns start the New Year with charity cheer

Rebecca and the team with Ronnie the Rhino

Leeds Ember Inns managers and local businesses combine efforts to raise over £7500 for cancer research charity, Against Breast Cancer.

Retail Business Manager from Ember Inns Hazel Murgatroyd and The Fox and Hounds at Cookridge’s General Manager Rebecca Greenwood have taken a once in a lifetime challenge to trek 250km across the frozen Lapland landscape on a Lapland Husky Trail with Global Adventure Challenges in aid of Against Breast Cancer.

During the challenge Hazel and Rebecca will walk between 20km to 60km per day during the six day trek and will be responsible for looking after their team of dogs, pitching their tent to protect them from sub -30° temperatures and preparing foods which will consist of nutrient rich, boil in the bag foods.

For the trek which will begin fromTromso,Norwayon the 31 March; a fund raising target of £7500 was set by challenge organisers. After four weeks of fund raising over the Christmas period, 15 pubs and their guests, located from Nottingham toNewcastlehave helped the pair to realise their goal. Events have been held across all 15 pubs with a £500 challenge for each venue. The most successful pub the Punch Bowl, based inNottinghamrose over £1200 in just two weeks thanks to the efforts of their team and the manager Sean Dransfield.

Hazel Murgatroyd, Retail Business Manager said:

“The nearer our start date for the trek becomes, the more daunted I am by the challenge. Neither Becky nor I like the cold so trekking in freezing cold temperatures will prove to rather difficult. We are excited about the adventure ahead of us but are under no illusion that it will test us to our limits both physically and mentally. I would like to thank everybody who has supported us”

She added: “As one of Ember Inns’ long standing charities, Against Breast Cancer is a charity that our guests are familiar with and one that is close to my own heart. I have been truly moved by just how charitable our guests have been over the past few months.”

Rebecca Greenwood, General Manager, The Fox & Hounds Cookridge added:

“I have been blown away by the level of support we have received from our local community in Cookridge and from the guests and teams from other Ember Inns. EachInnhas made a valuable contribution to our trip and to our fund raising total. We would like to thank everyone for their support so far, we are both working hard to train in preparation for the challenge and are continuously helped along by all the support we have received.”

The Fox at Cookridge has risen over £1000 so far with themed nights including; carol singers, a Think Pink Party night and a one off photo opportunity with Ronnie the Rhino the Leeds Rhinos mascot. Locals to The Fox and Hounds have also organised a quiz night (18 January) including raffle with locally sourced prizes.

A final farewell party will take place during March to wish the girls well in their trip and thank everyone for their support.